The Best Podcasts to Listen to During Your Run

4 April 2025

Running can be exhilarating, but let's be honest—sometimes it gets monotonous. That’s where podcasts come in. A good podcast isn't just background noise; it pushes you through tough miles, keeps your mind engaged, and—if you pick the right one—might even make you forget you're running in the first place.

Whether you're looking for motivation, entertainment, or just something to make the miles fly by, we’ve got you covered. Here are the best podcasts to listen to during your run.

1. Motivational & Inspiring Podcasts for Runners

The Rich Roll Podcast

If you're searching for deep, thought-provoking conversations that inspire you to push your limits, The Rich Roll Podcast is a must. Hosted by Rich Roll, an ultra-endurance athlete, this podcast covers everything from fitness and nutrition to motivation and mental toughness.

The long-form interviews with world-class athletes, entrepreneurs, and wellness experts will get you in the right mindset to finish even your longest runs.

The Mindset Mentor

Running is as much a mental game as it is physical, and The Mindset Mentor by Rob Dial helps strengthen your mental resilience. With bite-sized episodes around 15-20 minutes long, it's perfect for short runs or quick motivation before a race. You’ll feel like a champion before you've even hit the halfway mark.

Ten Percent Happier

For those who enjoy mindfulness and want to cultivate a stronger, more focused mind while running, Ten Percent Happier by Dan Harris is a great fit. It blends science and meditation in an engaging way that leaves you feeling empowered, calm, and ready to conquer your workout.

2. True Crime Podcasts for Thrill-Seekers

Not everyone wants uplifting motivation on a run. Some of us need gripping storytelling to keep us going (and maybe even pick up the pace when things get intense!). If suspense and mystery get your adrenaline pumping, these true crime podcasts are perfect.

Crime Junkie

Crime Junkie is one of the most popular true crime podcasts out there, and for good reason. Hosted by Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat, this show delivers well-researched, engaging crime stories that will have you hanging on every word. Who needs a race pacer when you have a gripping murder mystery to keep you moving?

My Favorite Murder

This podcast blends true crime with humor, making even the darkest cases strangely entertaining. Hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, My Favorite Murder feels like listening to two friends tell bizarre crime stories over coffee—except you’re pounding the pavement instead of sitting at a café.

Casefile

If you prefer a more serious, investigative style, Casefile is the way to go. Each episode is meticulously researched and narrated in a calm yet compelling manner. The storytelling pulls you in so deeply that before you know it, you've logged five miles without realizing it.

3. Comedy Podcasts to Keep You Laughing While Running

Running doesn’t have to be all about grit and determination—sometimes, you just need a good laugh to make the miles fly by.

Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend

Let’s be real: Conan O’Brien is one of the funniest talk show hosts of all time. His podcast, Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, features celebrity guests, hilarious anecdotes, and Conan's signature self-deprecating humor. You might attract some weird stares when you're chuckling mid-run, but it's worth it.

SmartLess

Hosted by Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes, SmartLess is a delightful mix of comedy and celebrity interviews. The chemistry between the three hosts is fantastic, and their witty banter will have you laughing so hard you forget how long you've been running.

The Dollop

Love history but also want to laugh while learning? The Dollop is a history podcast with a comedic twist. Dave Anthony narrates a historical event while Gareth Reynolds reacts, often turning the story into something hilariously absurd. It’s the perfect mix of education and entertainment to keep you distracted from the pain of those last few miles.

4. Engaging Storytelling & Narrative Podcasts

Sometimes, a compelling story is just what you need to keep going. These narrative-driven podcasts make you feel like you're stepping into another world, mile after mile.

Serial

The OG of narrative podcasts, Serial takes deep dives into real stories with investigative journalism at its finest. The first season, covering the case of Adnan Syed, is legendary. If you love gripping storytelling with twists and turns, this one will make even the longest runs feel shorter.

This American Life

This American Life covers a wide range of fascinating stories, from heartfelt human interest pieces to investigative journalism. Each story is so immersive that before you know it, you've finished your run with no memory of the struggle.

Radiolab

For science lovers, Radiolab is the perfect companion. It breaks down complex topics with engaging sound design and storytelling, making big ideas easy (and interesting) to digest. Think of it as mental fuel for your brain while your legs do the work.

5. Educational & Thought-Provoking Podcasts

Why not use your run to learn something new? These podcasts are perfect for feeding your brain while you hit the pavement.

Stuff You Should Know

Ever wanted to know how black holes work or why we have fingerprints? Stuff You Should Know explains the world’s most interesting topics in an easy-to-digest way. Informative, entertaining, and thoroughly addictive—you might just run farther than planned just to finish an episode.

The Daily

Want to stay informed without feeling overwhelmed? The Daily by The New York Times delivers bite-sized reports on the biggest news stories. With an engaging format and top-tier journalism, it’s a great way to multitask—exercise your body and your mind at the same time.

Freakonomics Radio

If you're fascinated by data, human behavior, and quirky economic phenomena, Freakonomics Radio will be your new favorite podcast. The engaging storytelling combined with real-world analysis makes for a perfect intellectual fuel source during a long run.

Final Thoughts: Pick the Right Podcast for Your Run

Choosing the right podcast depends on your mood and what kind of run you’re tackling. Need motivation? Go for something inspiring. Craving excitement? True crime might give you that extra push. Just want to laugh? Comedy podcasts are the ultimate mood booster.

No matter what you pick, having the right podcast in your ears can make a huge difference—both physically and mentally. So, lace up your running shoes, press play, and let the miles fly by.